Tesla started a new lease option for used cars. First, this was only in California and Texas. Now, people in New York, New Jersey, and Florida can get it too. Tesla had to follow each state’s laws to make it work. Sendil Palani, Tesla’s finance VP, said setting up leasing laws in new states takes a lot of work.
What the lease offers
Monthly payments start near $215 to $225. There’s a $0 down payment option. Drivers pay a $695 fee plus their first month to start. You can pick a 12-month or 24-month lease. Mileage is 10,000 miles each year on 24-month plans. It’s 15,000 miles for a 12-month lease. Cars in this program are pre-owned Model 3 and Model Y.
The U.S. EV tax credit ends September 30, 2025. This includes $7,500 for new electric cars and $4,000 for used ones. People who make deals and payments before the deadline can still get the credit, even if their car comes later. This pushes many shoppers to act fast before September ends.
Tesla’s inventory hit a record this year, with more than 50,000 EVs waiting for owners. Deliveries were down about 13% for 2025 compared to last year. Tesla wants to clear out old cars. Its lease plan is a way to lower prices and move cars quicker.
Many used cars come with Hardware 3. The newest ones have Hardware 4, which is much better for camera use and self-driving. Hardware 4 cameras see more pixels, and the processor is up to five times faster. Older cars don’t fit Tesla’s robotaxi plans anymore. Tesla is now letting people lease these vehicles.
How Tesla’s offer compares
Most carmakers don’t lease used cars. Tesla’s lease is different. Other brands have lease deals, like Toyota $179/month with $3,999 down or Chevy $289/month with $3,909 down, but Tesla’s $0 down option looks good. People get a lower-cost way to try a Tesla.
Palani said Tesla could add more states, but making leases available takes time and legal work. Analysts think demand will slow when the tax credit ends, so Tesla is acting fast with this new offer. The lease plan might help keep buyers interested when tax perks go away.
Tesla’s used car leasing is now live in California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. This could make getting a Tesla easier and cheaper, even as federal tax credits end soon.
You may also like to read:
- Tesla Model Y Performance set for October delivery after production milestone »
- Tesla Model Y L brings air cooling to wireless charging »
- Musk Defends Decision to Drop Radar and LiDAR in Tesla Vehicles »
We’ve launched an official Tesla Owners Online Forum. Join early and claim your "Founding Fuel" badge.
